LMAO it figures as soon as I let it drop a huge update comes in. I'll stick it again for a few days so no one misses it.

Stickied and updated OP. Nice work everyone!

This is really cool, thanks for all involved to make this a reality.

Just curious, and I really don't know the answer. Is there any section of MO roads that is labeled "DT" memorial highway?

Good question - had to do some research.

Seems like there was an initial movement to rename a a piece of highway stretching east from Blue Ridge to Highway 291 the "Derrick Thomas Memorial Highway right after DT's death in 2000, but quick Google search uncovered this, so I don't think this ever got off the ground...

http://www.mdn.org/2000/STORIES/MOTO.HTM

At least the Third and Long Foundation survives, with Neil Smith taking the reins to keep it going for his former bestie...

https://www.thirdandlong.org/

This is awesome. We are on this stretch of highway every time we drive up for a game! Local news story:

https://www.ozarksfirst.com/local-ne...VNbacfMnxci9Rw

Good job guys. This is awesome.

Congratulations. Amazing that a barrel of monkeys like the CP can do some good in the world. Thank you guys for doing the legwork and making this a reality. Well done.

So richly deserved, incredible work by AJKC and everyone else capable of making it happen... he finally has a proper waterpark in his hometown and now this memorial

That guy is the single biggest reason I became a Chiefs fan, he deserves all of this

Hell yeah, great work everyone!

Gonna let this one loose until there's any more updates.

Our fearless leader is on the pod tonight.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS WEEK in ��EPISODE 116��<br><br>We double up the guest booth with <a href="https://twitter.com/610SportsKC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@610SportsKC</a> host <a href="https://twitter.com/3guysinagarage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@3guysinagarage</a> and creator of The Joe Delaney Memorial Highway <a href="https://twitter.com/ajkcfan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajkcfan</a>!! Stay tuned for a great show!! <a href="https://t.co/KnGzGeXVUf">pic.twitter.com/KnGzGeXVUf</a></p>&mdash; �������� ������������!! ���������������� (@THESPOKENpod) <a href="https://twitter.com/THESPOKENpod/status/1393342800310284290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Adam's segment on the podcast is segment 2 (starting at the 30 minute mark)

<iframe src='https://webplayer.adorilabs.com/IlwiJE3kK7IsTVv1' width='100%' height='304' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' allow='autoplay'></iframe>

I founded Arrowhead Kingdom this off season. Our goal is for every Chief fan to find their fellow Chief fans in their city or while visiting to enjoy this golden era of Chiefs football together. As of right now, Arrowhead Kingdom is 62 chapters of Chief fans in 31 states, also Puerto Rico and Mexico City. We are still not officially launched yet but here's what we are doing.........https://arrowheadkingdom.org/

As part of that effort we are doing a weekly podcast and what we are calling a "Chiefscast". We wanted to use our national platform to help get the word out about Joe Delaney and the charity BBQ competition. Adam gave us the exclusive on where the Master Series BBQ competition will be held this summer. It's a huge fun place. I will let Adam reveal that detail here or you can listen to the Chiefscast or podcast.

If you want the podcast version with Adam, we are on spotify, google and other podcast platforms. Here's a direct link to the podcast version..... https://anchor.fm/akchiefscast/episo...oX9mecGG9G-a-M


<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FHCHtH3_LhE" title="YouTube video player" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Thanks again BigRedChief for the support and getting me in touch with Joshua for the podcast. It was such an honor to be on the ChiefsCast and to help give Arrowhead Kingdom get off to a promising start. You have something very successful and it's great you are seeing this through to the success it definitely will become!

I did reveal the location of the proposed (still not yet in contract) contest back in post #112. I intentionally wrote out a 3 paragraph response. If you take the first letter of each sentence you will see the name of the location.

First paragraph is
W-O-R-L-D-S

Second paragraph is
O-F

Third paragraph is
F-U-N

if the event cannot be held in Arrowhead, then Worlds of Fun is an ideal and as established an outdoor venue as one can realistically hope to find in the Kansas City area.

It's all about finding the right blend of sponsors and donors. Once that starts happening, then I will immediately sign off on their proposal. I fully expect to contribute financially to this worthy endeavor but this has to be something I cannot shoulder alone (the podcast mentions the cost - you can skip ahead to 1 hour, 14 minutes, 30 seconds of this podcast where the event is discussed in detail), so I am trying my hardest to get things done as I want so badly to fly out to Kansas City for that weekend.

Finally had time this weekend to start sending out e-mails. By my count, 70 companies were contacted and I easily still have over 100 more still to come. These companies who were contacted are sponsors of the Chiefs, Kansas City based companies or companies which would have some degree of relationship to a BBQ event. I still have more than 100 to go through. I have talked with the Chiefs and there may be something there - I'll know more in the coming days.

Have also reached out to ESPN, as they will cover the Monday Night Football game against the Giants. Not sure if he works there still, but Andy Tennant and I worked on a SportsCenter feature in 2003 when the Delaney Tragedy reached its 20 year anniversary. E-mailed him (it did not get rejected, so perhaps he still works there). Incidentally, both Steve Levy and Adam Schefter happen to have attended the same high school as I did, although both are several years older than me, but I reached out to them as well - hoping that their e-mails mimicked Mr. Tennant's.

Definitely contemplating reaching out to WHB this week to see what (if anything) can be done. Just think that the more this is publicized, the more likely it is for the desired sponsors and donors to step up.

Also have reached back to KSHB and KC Star this weekend. Both are for media purposes only.

I have also reached out to Northwestern State in Louisiana. That is Joe Delaney's alma mater. We worked well during the 37 Forever Foundation days and they were very happy to learn about The Joe Delaney Memorial Highway. I made it clear that I needed alumni help for the BBQ Contest, so we will see where that goes.

Finally, I need to get a list of all BBQ establishments in the KC area - I am of the belief that they are going to be integral to the success of this contest. I shall be asking KCBS for help with that.

Now if all these efforts are for naught and it doesn't happen, then it will be disappointing to pull the plug, but I can hold my head up high. Know that I am doing everything in my power to see this through.

And if it doesn't happen, well - it doesn't change at all The Joe Delaney Memorial Highway. That has been finalized and WILL HAPPEN. It is now just a matter of awaiting MoDOT to start getting those signs up on I-435.

Hope to have some good news to report shortly. My personal goal is that with the Tragedy Anniversary coming up later this month on June 29, I'd like to have an official announcement for the BBQ Contest to occur on that date (or before if we need that time to start planning....)

Wish me luck....

It is my humble and distinct honor to inform you that we have received official notification from MODOT and have been advised that the I-435 Joe Delaney Memorial Highway signs have been completed and they have been transferred to a MODOT facility location in Lee’s Summit.

We were told that the installation of these signs can go up as soon as this upcoming Thursday June 17.

However, with the Anniversary date of the Delaney Tragedy (June 29, 1983) occurring a little bit later in the month, I have requested and received permission from MODOT that installation be delayed until Tuesday June 29 so that it can fittingly coincide with commemorating the 38th Anniversary of this somber occasion.

There might even be a ceremony to mark the occasion but we are trying to see if the Delaney family can attend the event. At this point in time, it is unlikely that there will be a ceremony on such short notice. There does not need to really be one. Just if you happen to be in the area, drive by I-435 between Exit 66 (Missouri State Road 350) to Exit 63C (Raytown Road) in either direction come June 29 and you will see the signs installed.

Take pictures if you can!

Otherwise, if you cannot take the drive - I’m sure it will that day be part of the evening news, newspaper, etc.

It’s going up ladies and gentlemen!